I missed Arielle so much it hurt, a constant ache that never went away. But I couldn’t admit it, couldn’t confess to myself that she wasn’t coming back. Not now, maybe not ever. And forgiveness? That was just another dream I couldn’t let myself believe in.And with that, I walked off. (SOFIA’S POV
(SOFIA’S POV) I arrived at "Elegance," a popular unisex fashion clothing shop patronized only by the rich. Being a regular caller, I was treated well as I walked to the female section to shop for new arrivals. "Welcome back, Sofia, "Jenna, the sales manager said, approaching me with a smile. "H
(JARED'S POV)I was buried in work when Sofia’s call cut through the silence, pulling me from my focus.Ok what happened this time? When could she stop causing trouble? I sighed and suppressed my anger as I listened to her crying on the other end of the phone. She lived under my roof; her safety was
But I didn't say a word, I merely led her to the car I arrived in, opening the door for her. As she settled in, I got into the driver's seat and turned in the car's engine. This wasn't over. We'd talk about the car later, but for now, I just wanted to ensure she was safe. The drive home was in
(JARED'S POV) I blinked and went over the headline again, ensuring I was not reading wrong. But the words did not go away. They were there, as bold as ever. Then I swallowed hard, forcing my gaze down to the picture below, and my breath hitched. It was her. Arielle. The same lady at the airpor
(ARIELLE'S POV)It was my first day back since returning home, and a sense of excitement and nervousness buzzed under my skin. Today, I’d be visiting my restaurant site and attending a pivotal meeting with delegates from the prestigious Paradiso Culinary Academy—my alma mater—for the ambassador endo
We soon hit the road, my restaurant site, our next call. On arrival, I inspected the work process. The construction crew was working diligently and right. Satisfied with the work pace and the job done, I had no complaints. Back in the car, Ashley asked, "Next stop, lunch with Rebecca, right?"I no
(Arielle's POV) I returned home finally, exhausted but fulfilled. My Mom and son were already waiting in the sitting room, and they sprung on me, yelling their felicitations as I walked in. "We saw the news!" Maverick exclaimed, jumping on me. "You're famous now, Mama." "Congratulations, my da
He took deep breath, and slowly knelt down on one knee. He let go of my hand momentarily and the other arm which he’d had behind him the entire time produced a velvet box. He gently opened it and nestled right inside the box, sitting on a black velvet pad, was a diamond ring, resplendent and breatht
(ARIELLE’S POV.) The air in the kitchen was calm and peaceful. Ashley stepped out of the kitchen at some point, so I was now all by myself, still drowning in the euphoria of my new joy. I wanted to eat and taste everything in the kitchen and yet at the same time, I was a little too overwhelmed to d
The possibility of getting to cook again filled me with strength. “Let’s make a stop at a grocery shop,” I said to Ashley. “Of course. We’d also pick up something for you to eat as well. You haven’t..” “No!” I said more sharply than intended. “Please. I’ll eat when I’m done cooking,” I maintained
(ARIELLE’S POV.) It felt like stepping out of a dream. A long one. The world was a blur around me, full of bright colors swirling into each other in a dizzying dance in the corners of my eyes. Slowly, my vision settled and the colors faded into the fluorescent bulb hanging down from the ceiling. I
(JARED’S POV) The next day, I pulled out of the hotel's driveway, Arielle and Ashley chatting away in the backseat. The atmosphere was lively, with Arielle's infectious laughter and Ashley’s bright smile. I was glad to see Arielle so carefree, even on a day like today. Ashley's presence was a bless
“Okay, how about… the bartender from that rooftop dinner we went to?” “Arielle!” Ashley exclaimed, feigning offense. “Seriously? A random bartender?” I shrugged. “Hey, you never know. Besides, you said it yourself that he was your type.” She rolled her eyes and didn't say a word. I continued the
(ARIELLE’S POV) I halted, my mind going blank. Pregnant? Ashley? It felt unbelievable. The Ashley I know would never let a man knock her up without marriage, she was that uptight. My eyes darted from her beaming face to the hand she was now placing on her stomach. “Pregnant?” The word escaped my l
(ARIELLE'S POV) “Surprise!” She exclaimed, her face beaming with smiles as she stepped fully into the room, pulling a small suitcase behind her. My jaw dropped, and my eyes widened. She looked tired from her trip, but her radiant smile masked it well. “Ashley, what are you doing here?” I asked, st
(ARIELLE'S POV) Back in my room at the hotel, I sat in front of my phone that was placed on the bed’s dashboard, waiting for my mom to answer the phone. Excitement coursed through my system like an unending river, and I couldn't wait to share the good news with my loved ones, my mom topping the cha